The time had arrived the Scouts had been preparing for. It was the culmination of months of training, planning, and anticipation. But for Sana, it didn't feel like a grand moment. It didn't feel like anything, really. Time had passed so quickly that it felt like a blur, and now, as the moment drew near, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at her. Erwin hadn't told her what was on his mind—he never did, leaving her to try and piece together the fragments of information she had. It made her feel unprepared, as if she couldn't even advise her comrades on how to save their own lives.
They had been trained for the worst-case scenario, just as Erwin had ordered. He had convinced them that there were far more types of Titans than they had ever encountered, and that the enemy would do anything to reclaim their liberty. The Scouts had to be prepared for every possibility. Yet, Sana couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. She wasn't sure if she could live up to the expectations placed on her or the weight of her own fears.
The Scouts had gathered at the Northern District of Wall Maria for one last inspection of the bridge. The tension was palpable as everyone checked the structures, tested the materials, and made sure everything was in place. But Sana's mind was elsewhere. She couldn't stop thinking about what might come next. The Titans—the invasion—it was all looming over her, and she could feel the dread building inside her like a pressure in her chest.
Erwin had assured them that there was no need for alarm, that they were ready. But Sana still couldn't shake the unease.
Farlan approached her quietly, noticing the tension in her body. "What's bothering you?" he asked, his voice low and soothing. "Don't worry, everything will be fine during the testing."
Sana gave a small, bitter laugh. "I hope so," she muttered. She wasn't sure if she was worried about the testing or if it was the looming attack that had her nerves on edge. Could she do this? Could she face the oncoming battle without freezing like she had before? The question gnawed at her.
Farlan saw the unease in her eyes. "I'm not going to let anything bad happen to them," he said, his tone serious but comforting. "You've trained them well."
But Sana was too far gone in her thoughts to respond to his reassurances. Her mind was racing, and a sudden, undeniable clarity hit her. She couldn't stay here. Not when she knew what was coming. "We're going to be invaded by Titans, Farlan," she said, her voice steady despite the fear that coursed through her. "They're going to break through Wall Maria. I need to make sure you're safe."
Farlan's face went pale as the gravity of her words sunk in. "What? You're serious?"
"I'm afraid so," Sana confirmed. "You need to tell Levi and Isabel as well. We need to inform everyone."
Farlan hesitated, his concern written all over his face. "But we can't—Erwin would never allow it. If we warn them, his plan will be compromised. You know what will happen."
Sana nodded solemnly, understanding the consequences. "I know. But I have to do something. I can't just let them walk into it blindly. I won't risk their lives." She paused, trying to make him understand. "Erwin has made his decision, but I can't just sit here and do nothing."
Farlan's expression softened as he understood the weight of her decision. "Alright. But be careful," he said, his voice thick with concern.
Sana had one more task to accomplish before the chaos began. One more person she needed to save.
The bridge had been thoroughly tested by everyone, and all seemed ready. But Sana slipped away unnoticed, her mind focused on the mission ahead. She had to hurry. There was no time to waste.
She arrived at the house she needed to reach, the weight of her responsibility heavy on her shoulders. Knocking on the door, she heard footsteps approaching from inside. The door opened to reveal a woman with warm, welcoming eyes.
"Can I help you?" the woman asked kindly.
Sana froze. How was she supposed to explain why she was here? How was she supposed to tell this woman that she needed to leave the house for her own safety? She had never been good at lying, especially not to people who didn't deserve it.
Before she could speak, two children emerged from inside, staring at her. One of them was a boy—Eren, she recognized him immediately. He looked so happy to see her, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her Scout uniform.
His mother, however, did not share his enthusiasm. She looked wary, suspicious even, and Sana quickly realized why. Eren had declared his intention to join the Scouts, and that had likely created tension between him and his mother.
Mikasa stood beside him, her gaze just as intense as Eren's. Seeing them brought an unexpected joy to Sana's heart, even if the situation was far from ideal.
Before she could say anything, Eren bolted away from the house, his mother calling after him in alarm. "Eren!" she shouted.
Mikasa immediately took off after him, leaving Sana to face the mother alone.
"I'm sorry," Sana said, her voice apologetic. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
The woman, whose name was Carla, seemed to soften, though her eyes were still full of concern. "It's alright," she replied. "Is there something I can do for you?"
Sana quickly glanced at the direction the children had run off in. "Your kids… they're very spirited."
Carla gave a small smile. "They're my world."
Sana's gaze turned serious again. "Is Dr. Yeager home?" she asked.
Carla shook her head. "No, he's out today. He's got business to attend to."
"Ah, okay. That's alright." Sana was trying to figure out what to say next. The lie felt awkward on her tongue, but she pushed forward. "I came here for a routine check-up. I've been feeling sick for a few days, and I thought I should get it looked at while the Scouts are in Wall Maria."
Carla raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled but willing to entertain the notion. "A check-up? Now?"
Sana nodded quickly. "Yes, is there another doctor nearby? I'm not familiar with this area. I only just found out about your home from some of the Garrison soldiers stationed along the wall."
Carla thought for a moment before nodding. "There is one, though it's a bit far from here. I can give you directions."
"Thank you," Sana said, trying her best to keep her voice calm. She followed Carla down the road, her mind racing. The thunder rumbled in the distance, and the atmosphere grew tense. It was happening. The invasion was imminent.
Carla looked over at her, concerned. "Did you hear that?" she asked.
Sana's heart skipped a beat. "Yes, I did," she replied quietly. "It doesn't sound good."
Meanwhile, back at somewhere between eastern and southern districts of wall Maria:
Levi stood with a grave expression on his face. "What happened to her?" he muttered, eyes narrowing. "Don't tell me she's already in the Southern District."
Farlan's voice came from behind him. "She asked me to let you both know since you weren't there. She told me to inform you."
Levi's face darkened. "SCOUTS! We're moving to the Southern District now. There's a threat heading that way."
At Erwin's command, the entire Scout regiment began to mobilize, shifting southward, preparing for the worst.
Sana's heart pounded as she walked beside Carla. She knew the invasion was just minutes away, and she had done all she could to prepare. But now, the moment had arrived. The Scouts had to be ready. The battle for Wall Maria was about to begin.